MILES OF SMILES! (AND A FEW GRIMACES TOO)

THOUSANDS OF RUNNERS TAKE PART IN MARATHON

- AMY WALKER 

THOUSANDS of runners pounded the roads yesterday as the Manchester Marathon returned.

The event is the fourth-largest race of its kind in Europe, and around 28,000 participants took to the roads to run the 26.2 mile route around Manchester and Trafford.

Participants were set off in waves from the Trafford Arch, near to the White City Retail Park. They then passed through Hulme and into the city centre and were then greeted by crowds of spectators lining Deansgate, before looping back into Trafford and passing through Sale and Altrincham.

Waiting at the starting line, hundreds of runners wearing brightly coloured vests and t-shirts shook and stretched to keep warm. 'The perfect weather for running, the commentator told the crowds.

And with the bang of the starting pistol they were off. Families and friends cheered and shouted, phones were held like beacons as they filmed their loved ones making their way.

Throughout the streets of the city centre, spectators gathered in their hundreds supporting those taking part.

Homemade cards, balloons and pictures were scattered across a sea of proud and excited faces. And on the sidelines, hard working paramedics from St John's Ambulance and volunteers kept a watchful eye on those who needed any assistance.

One of the many runners taking part was Raja Aslam. He was observing Ramadan, which means he was fasting so no food or drinks from sunrise to sunset, he told the M.E.N.

"Even once I've completed this marathon I've got a few hours until I can have something," he said. "After I've completed it, that's the challenge.